Yes, League Classic is ending its current run on January 6, 2027. However, Riot Games has not announced the mode's permanent cancellation.
The company confirmed its decision on October 14, alongside upcoming changes for Season 3 Act II. According to Riot, many players returned to regular League of Legends modes after experiencing Classic.
The announcement also introduces regional matchmaking restrictions and refunds for certain exclusive cosmetics. Brazilian servers will remain available without scheduled queue restrictions until the current run ends.
Here's why Riot made this decision and what players should know before January.
Why Is Riot Games Ending League Classic?
Riot explained that League Classic attracted players interested in revisiting earlier versions of League of Legends.
However, according to the developer, most participants eventually returned to other game modes.
This shift created matchmaking difficulties in certain regions, including longer queue times and significant MMR differences.
MMR, or Matchmaking Rating, helps determine players' estimated skill levels.
With fewer active participants, finding balanced matches can become more difficult.
Riot therefore decided to introduce restricted matchmaking hours in selected regions. The goal is to concentrate players during specific periods and improve matchmaking conditions.
The developer has not disclosed official player counts or percentage declines.
Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that League Classic was a commercial failure based solely on this announcement.
When Does League Classic End?
The League Classic end date is January 6, 2027, according to Riot Games' official progression guide.
The shutdown of the current run follows Season 3 Act II of 2026.
Until then, players can continue progressing through Classic levels and unlocking available rewards.
Riot also plans to release additional classic champions through Patch 26.23.
These include Mordekaiser, Yorick, Hecarim, Lucian, Volibear, Urgot, and Udyr.
Here are the key dates:
| Event | Date |
| Riot announces the end of the current run | October 14, 2026 |
| Classic Pass Act II begins | October 20, 2026, at 11 AM PT |
| Classic Pass progression ends | January 4, 2027, at 11:59 PM PT |
| Classic Pass deactivates | January 5, 2027, at 11:59 PM PT |
| Current League Classic run ends | January 6, 2027 |
Pass dates and times may change. Riot recommends checking the in-game schedule for the latest information.
What Changes for League Classic Players in Different Regions?
League Classic availability will vary depending on the player's server region.
According to Riot's official support documentation, Brazilian servers will remain continuously available during the remaining cycle.
North America and both main European regions will also keep their queues open.
Other regions will face restricted matchmaking schedules starting with Patch 26.21.
| Region | League Classic availability |
| Brazil, North America, EU West, EU Nordic & East | Always available |
| Korea, Latin America, Oceania, Taiwan, Vietnam, Turkey, Southeast Asia, Russia | Restricted matchmaking hours |
| Japan and Middle East | Custom matches only |
Riot's developer announcement provides specific schedules for restricted regions.
On weekdays, matchmaking runs from 4 PM to midnight, based on local server time.
Weekend queues operate from 10 AM to 1 AM, according to the developer's schedule.
Custom matches remain available across all regions during the rest of the current run.
What Happens to the League Classic Pass and Purchased Content?
Riot confirmed that the Classic Pass Act II will be completely free.
The new pass includes one unified reward track, without requiring players to purchase a premium version.
Players can earn Classic Pass Coins by completing missions. These coins can then unlock available rewards.
Starting with Patch 26.21, the Classic Store will only sell Champions, Runes, and Rune Pages.
How Do League Classic Refunds Work?
Riot announced refunds for certain Classic-exclusive cosmetics that will become unusable after the mode ends.
Refund conditions depend on how players obtained their items:
- Directly purchased Classic Portraits: Players receive their original RP expenditure back by November 30, 2026.
- Paid Classic Pass Act I Portraits: Eligible players receive 200 RP per acquired portrait by November 30.
- Resplendent Explorer Ezreal Portrait: Eligible Classic Welcome Bundle purchases receive a 2,000 RP refund.
- Classic Chromas: Eligible purchases receive RP refunds, including specific Welcome Bundle chromas.
- League Classic Collector's Box: Eligible purchases receive refunds for the portion associated with Classic Portraits.
Some purchases also qualify for refunds to their original payment method.
For eligible transactions, players must contact Riot Player Support within 30 days of the announcement.
This option applies to specific purchases, including qualifying cash purchases and Collector's Box orders.
Complete conditions are available in Riot's League Classic Pass and Content support article.
Is League Classic Coming Back in the Future?
Riot Games has expressed interest in bringing League Classic back.
According to the official developer update, the most likely option involves returning as an event mode.
A future version could include adjustments and additions based on the current experience.
However, Riot has not announced an official League Classic return date.
The developer also plans to share lessons learned from this version.
These include successful features and areas that may need improvement.
This does not mean another League Classic release is confirmed for 2027.
League Classic Ending: Frequently Asked Questions
Is League Classic Shutting Down Permanently?
Riot has not confirmed a permanent shutdown. The company announced the end of the current run and expressed interest in bringing Classic back.
Can I Still Play League Classic in Brazil?
Yes. Brazilian servers will maintain unrestricted matchmaking availability until the current run ends on January 6, 2027.
Will I Lose My Purchased League Classic Items?
That depends on the purchased content. Certain Classic-exclusive cosmetics will become unusable and qualify for refunds under Riot's official conditions.
Content shared with standard League of Legends follows different rules. Check Riot's support documentation for details about each item.
Will League Classic Return in 2027?
There is no confirmed return date. Riot is considering a future event-mode version, but has not announced a release schedule.
For now, players can continue enjoying the nostalgic experience and completing their progression before January.
